I just put the final touches on a 12'X10' Winter Tarp, following the DIY Gear pattern. I used the 1.1 oz. Woodland camo form DIY Gear as well, simply because I have yet to spot the now almost mythical "Walmart $1 Bin". I'm beginning to wonder if it's the same place where the snipes hang out.
Anyway, after scouring this forum, youtube, and a few other places, I decided on using the 4:1 ratio of 100% clear silicone and odorless mineral spirits. I mixed this in a 5 gallon bucket with a little gadget I made out of wire coat hangers that looks just like a whisk and a cordless drill. I mixed this concoction for a good ten minutes.... until I had a 3 inch layer of foam I had to let settle, and then I dunked and very thoroughly worked and kneaded the tarp for another 10 minutes or so.
I make a lot of stuff and actually constructed somewhat of a testing area in my backyard that doubles as a campsite when I get the urge. So I hung the tarp and pitched it taut. I wiped the excess off using a foam brush, and let it dry... which took all of about 4 hours in the Arizona sun.
I brought it inside and let it 'cure' for another couple of days then rehung it for the test. The wifey-poo hit me with everything from 'fine mist' to 'shower' to 'jet' and not a drop. I was quite pleased.
Upon closer inspection, I had some white build up in a few places that seems to just flake off without affecting the water-proofing in that area.
I added tarp-tensioners from Just Jeff's page,
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGe...ensioner2.html
and I'm ready to take it out for it's maiden voyage sometime this week.
Next tarp, I'm going to try letting the silicone/mineral spirit mixture to sit in a jar for a couple of days, shaking it up every time I walk passed it.
I really do believe the secret to success with this method is the making sure the silicone is completely dissolved in the mineral spirits before soaking or applying.
My question at this point is would sealing the ridgeline seam be over-kill?
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